Map scale
A map's scale (e.g. 1:50,000) means 1 unit on the map represents 50,000 of the same unit on the ground. To find the actual distance, measure the map distance and multiply by the scale factor.
Example 1: On a map with a scale of 1:50,000, two towns are 4 cm apart. Find the actual distance between them, in kilometres.
Actual distance = .
Contour lines and relief
Contour lines join points of equal elevation. Widely spaced contours indicate a gentle slope; closely spaced contours indicate a steep slope. Concentric circles of contours (getting smaller as height increases) typically indicate a hill or peak.
Direction and bearing
Bearings are measured clockwise from north as a three-figure angle, so due north is 000°, due east is 090°, due south is 180°, and due west is 270°.
Example 2: A hiker walks from a point directly towards a landmark that is due south-east of them. State the bearing.
South-east lies exactly between south (180°) and east (090°)... measuring clockwise from north, south-east is 135°.
Grid references
A grid reference uses two sets of numbered lines on a map (eastings, read left to right, then northings, read bottom to top) to give a precise location, usually as a four or six-figure reference -- the more figures, the more precise the location.